Former Liverpool striker and renowned Spanish football commentator Michael Robinson has died at the age of 61.
Robinson, who claimed a league title with the Reds during their treble-winning 1983-84 campaign, had been battling cancer since 2018.
The ex-Republic of Ireland international’s family confirmed his death via an official statement on Tuesday, which reads: ‘With tremendous sadness, we inform you of Michael’s death.
‘It leaves us with a great emptiness, but also countless memories, full of the same love that you have shown him.
‘We will be eternally grateful to you for making this man SO HAPPY, he never walked alone. Thank you.’
After hanging up his boots in 1989, Robinson would go on to enjoy a successful career as a television presenter and commentator and gained widespread praise for his work in Spain, where he had settled with his family.
The former striker began his journey as a professional footballer at Preston North End, before going on to take in spells at Manchester City, Brighton, Liverpool, Queens Park Rangers and Osasuna.
He spent a total of 14 years playing at the highest level and won 24 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Liverpool have expressed their sadness at hearing the news of Robinson’s death, while a number of LaLiga stars of past and present have passed on their condolences on social media.
We’re deeply saddened by the passing of former player Michael Robinson, aged 61.
The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool Football Club are with Michael’s family and friends at this sad time.
Rest in peace, Michael. pic.twitter.com/o8Zu3hjICc
— Liverpool FC (at ?) (@LFC) April 28, 2020
Michael Robinson conoció al hijo de la Paqui y yo tuve la suerte de conocer a Michael Robinson. Mi cariño a sus familiares y amigos. DEP
You’ll Never Walk Alone
? @InformeRobinson pic.twitter.com/5K857BJEuq— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) April 28, 2020
Lucidez, simpatía, conocimiento, don único para comunicar… gracias por tu huella. Gracias por cómo nos trataste! DEP, Michael. #InolvidableRobinson https://t.co/SIkEmlvHRs
— Thiago Alcantara (@Thiago6) April 28, 2020
Graeme Souness, who played with Robinson at Liverpool, told Sky Sports: ‘He was a big pal of mine. So many fond memories of being in his company. If you were going for a night out, Michael would be the first you’d invite. A charming man. Great stories, could tell great stories.
‘I’m really sad for Chris and his kids. He’s been fighting this for a number of years now. It’s been difficult for him. When you look at his career, he was a very good footballer, he enjoyed a year at Liverpool, a glory year, and he was a big part of that.’
Former Reds players Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia have also posted their condolences on social media, as have Barcelona, who awarded Robinson the 2018 Vazquez Montalban International Journalism Award.
You’ll never walk alone Michael!!
Rest in peace. https://t.co/4IKJnL0nAa
— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) April 28, 2020
R.I.P Michael Robinson. The Liverpool legend that got in all the Spanish homes with his fantastic commentaries every Weekend !! #YNWA pic.twitter.com/GihZPkUd80
— Luis Garcia (@luchogarcia14) April 28, 2020
We at FC Barcelona wish to express our deepest condolences for the passing of Michael Robinson, a person who loved football and who knew how to explain it with knowledge and ingenuity. He was the winner of the 2018 Vázquez Montalbán International Journalism Award. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/IsMAooaxmm
— FC Barcelona (from ?) (@FCBarcelona) April 28, 2020